Aliya Aboard the Time Train

Aliya to the Infinite City #2

by Laila Rifaat

The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City. Aliya can’t wait to return to the Infinitum Time-Travel Academy. But when evil magic threatens the city, and rumours of rogue magician Dorian Darke circulate, Aliya is sent away for safety on the time-travelling train, the Silver Express.

But the trip is derailed when a passenger is murdered. Soon it becomes clear that Aliya must face terrible danger once again . . .

A stunning adventure story for readers aged 9 and up Book 1 was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2021 For fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace and The Kingdom Over the Sea

PRAISE FOR ALIYA TO THE INFINITE CITY :

‘An epic adventure packed with richness, history and a brilliant new magical school!’ ZOHRA NABI, Author of The Kingdom Over the Sea

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens

391 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first 280/300 pages. Lots of adventure, new information and intrigue. By the time it reached the climax I just felt like it was dragged out a bit too much. Still curious to see if another is added to the series!

[Sarah Ziman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aliya Aboard the Time Train is a wonderful sequel to the world of time travel first introduced in Aliya to the Infinite City, with a plot that whizzes along faster than the titular engine. Aliya is excited to see her friends again after an enforced stay at a post-time-travel spa - to make sure her body ages correctly - but even with the excitement promised by a journey on the famous Silver Express, nothing seems to be quite right. Best friend Karima is distracted by a new job and a new friend, her nadim is nothing short of embarrassing, there are strange passengers aboard, and Aliya is experiencing things that nobody else seems able to see or hear. Could Dorian Darke have returned?

With the sights, scents and sounds of both an old and new Egypt, and some new 'mythicals' to add to the existing colourful cast of characters, Laila Rifaat has created another adventure not to be missed!

[B. Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laila Rifaat’s imagination knows no bounds!

I absolutely loved Aliya to the Infinite City, and this sequel certainly didn’t disappoint. In her latest adventure, Laila Rifaat whisks you through time and throws you right into the heart of a fast-paced thrill ride with twists and turns around every corner and little time to catch your breath. If you like stories that are steeped in mystery with a gripping plot and an abundance of delightfully imaginative characters, then this one is definitely for you. Another magnificent page-turner from an author whose imagination is out of this world! And I’m thrilled to hear there’s another book in the pipeline.

[Areaderreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Aliya and the world the author has built is vivid, colourful in every sense of the world and delightful.
Her writing is thoroughly engaging creating an immersive world interlaced with sparks of humour.
The characters are all so brilliantly drawn and Aliya is someone whose mind I really enjoyed inhabiting.
The writing doesn’t shy away from portraying the danger lurking both in Infinitum and on her journey on the Silver Express.

[Serene In Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment! All the same Infinatum goodness but in a train murder mystery. This book had the most content warnings out of the trilogy- mostly mentions of adult couples (out of marriage), girls dressing as boys to get around easier and non-Muslims sipping alcoholic beverages. Nothing overly focussed on or glorified. See my (upcoming) review for book 1 for all the content info for the series.

Love these books!